10R80 Replacement Guide, Prices, Build Levels, and Lead Times

If your 10R80 is slipping, shuddering, or flaring on the 3 to 4 or 4 to 5 shift, you are likely weighing a dealer unit against a purpose built replacement. This guide shows what fails, what you actually pay for, how Stock Plus compares to Stage 1 and Stage 2, and what the swap looks like from drop off to test drive.

Who needs a 10R80 replacement

Common signs include converter shudder under light throttle, delayed engagement, harsh or inconsistent upshifts, overheating when towing, and repeat limp mode. If you tow, run larger tires, or add power, a built replacement is the right move for long term reliability.

What fails first in most 10R80 units

  • Converter lockup clutch wear that shows up as shudder at steady cruise
  • CDF drum and overdrive friction wear under heat and load
  • Pressure control and cross leaks that create flare on mid range shifts

Built replacement vs dealer new or reman

Dealer units bring a stock style transmission back to spec. A built replacement targets known weak points with upgraded frictions, better pressure control, and a converter that holds under real load. Many listings called “new” are reman or service replacements. If you tow or plan to keep the truck, the built route is the better value once you include downtime, shipping, and the chance of a second failure.

Build levels and who each level is for

Stock Plus 10R80

Daily driven trucks that tow occasionally and want better than stock without going aggressive. Expect targeted clutch material upgrades, converter improvements, and valve body updates. See details: Stock Plus 10R80.

Stage 1 10R80

For tuned trucks and frequent towing. Adds higher capacity frictions, stronger converter lockup, and hydraulic changes for cleaner line rise and cooler temps under load. Details and live pricing: Stage 1 10R80.

Stage 2 10R80

For higher power builds that see heavy use. Further friction capacity, converter spec, and pressure control for holding power with margin. See specs: Stage 2 10R80.

Browsing all options and supporting parts, including coolers and converters
Ford 10R80 Transmissions and Premium Parts

What really drives total price

  • Build level, Stock Plus, Stage 1, or Stage 2
  • Converter spec, lockup material and stall changes
  • Install, fluid, filter, hot flush, adaptive relearn
  • Freight and core, location and carrier choice
  • Optional cooling, lines or auxiliary coolers when needed

Pricing updates live on the product pages. If you want an out the door quote with shipping and install, call and we will itemize everything so there are no surprises.

How the swap works

  1. Select build level and converter spec
  2. Schedule drop off or ship the truck or unit
  3. Remove the original unit and hot flush the cooler and lines
  4. Install the built replacement, fill with the correct fluid, reset adaptive learn
  5. Road test, verify temps and shift quality, return to customer

Related reads

FAQS

Q: Is rebuilding my 10R80 cheaper than buying a built one
A: Up front, yes. Over twelve months, usually no. Once you add a tow bill, downtime, and the chance of a second failure, a built unit is the better value.

Q: What fails first in most 10R80 units
A: The CDF drum, overdrive frictions, and the torque converter lockup clutch are the most common failures we see.

Q: How much power can a stock 10R80 handle
A: Around 550 HP at the tire. Our Stage 1 is rated to 750 HP and Stage 2 to 900 HP.

Q: Do you offer installation
A: Yes. In house install with hot flush and adaptive learn reset is $1,200. Shipping both ways is available if you are outside California.

Ready for a quote or to schedule an install
Stock Plus 10R80 | Stage 1 10R80 | Stage 2 10R80 | All 10R80 Options

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